PSYCHOLOGICAL DISABILITIES
(Psych D)

Students with Psychological Disabilities have been attending colleges for sometime, but only until recently have students with more noticeable disorders made an appearance on campuses across the country.

The definitions of psychological disturbances are extensive and include substance abuse, depression, schizophrenia, manic-depression, etc.

Title 5 regulations define a psychological disability as a persistent psychological disorder, emotional or mental illness that adversely affects educational performance. A psychological disability is a condition which: (a) is listed in the American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Third Edition-Revised (DSMIII-R), or succeeding equivalent revisions of that publication, and is coded on Axis I or 11 as moderate to severe, (b) reflects a psychiatric or psychological condition that interferes with a major life activity, and (c) poses a functional limitation in the educational setting. Recovering drug and alcohol abusers are considered as psychologically disabled as long as they are in or have completed a recovery program and meet all other conditions for this disability category.

Communication should be on going between the student, faculty and
DPS staff to monitor the students' progress in coursework and
provide necessary accommodations to help circumvent problems if they exist.